A woman activist was shocked by a vitriolic comment that followed after she expressed support for a scientific school of thought on a social networking site. A comment posted in Kannada, by a person identifying himself as V.R. Bhat, allegedly threatened her with rape.

According to the activist, N. Prabha, the person stated: “How would you know about the roots of Sanathana Dharma? People who read books like ‘Edege Bidda Padu’ (by noted Dalit writer Devanur Mahadeva) are those who will support you stating that whatever you say is true. People like you must be first dragged by their hair and raped.”

Ms. Prabha is an office-bearer of Bharatha Jnana Vijnana Samiti, a non-profit organisation that promotes learning and science. Her complaint to the Chandra Layout police stated that Bhat was quick to delete the comment following negative reactions by many other persons online. Ms. Prabha stated, “At a time when we are all fighting against sexual violence against women, this man has made such shocking statements against women.”

Based on the complaint, the Chandra Layout police have booked cases against Bhat and are trying to trace him. He has been booked under sections 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 109 (abetment, if the act abetted is committed) of the IPC and under section 66 (A) of the IT Act (sending offensive messages through communication service).